1001 Songs Challenge,  1990s,  Music

1001 Songs Challenge #770: Connected (1992)

On 11 February 2019 I set myself the challenging of reading 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die by Robert Dimery (ed.) and following the book’s advice to the letter. I’ve previously read 1001 Films… and started 1001 Albums… but felt 1001 Songs… would be a sensible place to start for what I have in mind here.

My challenge is to read about one song per day and listen to it (YouTube and Spotify, I need you tonight!) before sharing my own thoughts. Some songs I will love, others I’ll hate, and I’m sure there will be those that leave me perplexed but listen to them I shall.

I’ll also try, and most likely fail, to pinpoint the best song from the 1001 on offer but I’m nothing if not foolhardy. Instead of one song, I’m predicting I’ll have about 100 favourites by the end and may have to resort to a Top 10 so far to maintain any semblance of sanity.

So long as I post everyday (including Christmas) then this challenge should come to an end on Wednesday 8 November 2021. Staying with the Barney Stinson theme I am hoping that the whole experience will prove to be…

 

Stereo MC’s – Connected (1992)

Connected (Stereo MC’s song) – Wikipedia

” Connected” is the title track and first single from the British group Stereo MC’s third studio album, released in 1992. The song samples “Let Me (Let Me Be Your Lover)” by Jimmy “Bo” Horne. “Connected” peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart.

 

Lyrics (via Genius)

 

Farewell to Los Angeles and the US, as we take a flight back to the UK and to London. Formed in 1985, Stereo MC’s specialised in dance, electronica and hip hop. When we join the group in 1992 it is with the release of their third album – Connected – and 1001 Songs have not broken with tradition, they have gone with the title track. 

Connected is full of weird effects, a persistent dance beat and even throws in a spot of guitar as well. Repetitive and catchy, the song is said to be an observation about the importance of human connection and the dangers of distancing ourselves from such attachments. The refrain from the vocals is of getting themselves connected but also comments on poisonous individuals that they see through and how taking a wrong turn can leave one vulnerable to falling. 

Stereo MC’s and Connected were both immediately familiar to me but only the titles. I am sure I have listened to this on MTV back in my teenage years but the song did not resonate with my ageing ears one iota which is strange. This isn’t the most accessible music for a rock enthusiast like myself but there is something addictive about the sound here and you can see how it warranted its success upon initial release. The group are still together to this day but would take a 9-year hiatus after their third album. Success can be tough at the best of times and following up a big hit can be even tougher.

 

Favourite songs so far:

The Animals – House of the Rising Sun (1964)

Simon & Garfunkel – The Sounds of Silence (1965)

The Beatles – A Day in the Life (1967)

The Doors – The End (1967)

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (1975)

Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell (1977)

Ultravox – Vienna (1980)

The Smiths – How Soon Is Now? (1984)

Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (1988)

U2 – One (1991)

My name is Dave and I live in Yorkshire in the north of England and have been here all my life. I hope you enjoy your visit to All is Ephemeral.

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